Facts About Treating Lyme Disease Naturally

By Enid Hinton


Lyme disease has become one of the most talked-about health threats, which is pretty remarkable considering it was only identified in 1975. This tick-borne illness has affected millions of people; many may have the problem without being aware of it. Treating Lyme disease naturally is a viable alternative to the regular medical procedures.

Medical doctors use a blood test to diagnose this problem. The test may reveal the presence of spirochetes, bacteria-like organisms which carry this disease. However, spirochetes are uncannily adept at hiding, and the test may not always be definitive. This causes many people to turn to herbal means of fighting the problem. Herbals require no prescription, and most have no harmful side effects if used correctly.

The herbs known to help people who suffer from Lyme's are immune system boosting plants. They are nutritive rather than potentially toxic, which means they can be taken indefinitely without harmful side effects. Since almost everyone needs a stronger immune system, no harm is done if the illness is not present. One of the most widely used herbal preparations comes is cat's claw plant, a native plant in South America and Asia. It is sold in liquid extract form and in capsules.

Cat's claw, which gets its common name from its thorns, has long been used for arthritis and joint pain. To be effective against Lyme, some of the active ingredients in the plant must be rendered inert. There are several special preparations of this herb on the market; look for ones that are formulated specifically for this particular problem.

Even those who have had a medical diagnosis of Lyme's may want to use an herbal approach. Doctors generally prescribe high does of antibiotics; if the problem has gone undetected for months or years, antibiotics may be prescribed for extended periods. This approach seems to work best on those recently infected; people who have had the problem longer may find that antibiotics are not a definitive cure.

Others may not like the idea of taking antibiotics, especially for month after month if the problem is persistent. They may choose herbal products to avoid the consequences of antibiotic use, such as yeast over-growth or immune system weakness. It also is a good idea to follow antibiotic use with herbal preparations.

For those who prefer a local herb over an exotic one, the common roadside weed, teasel, has been proved effective by wide-spread use and by research. This thistle-like plant grows in waste land, especially in regions where deer abound and their ticks can attack humans. Teasel is available from herbalists, or people can harvest their own roots in November, choosing plants away from major roads (to avoid heavy metal contamination). Soaking the cleaned and chopped roots in alcohol - vodka is preferred - for six weeks will make an effective extract. Dosages can be found on product labels or online.

Anyone who works outdoors - in any of the fifty states - should not ignore symptoms such as joint pain, skin disorders, heart arrhythmia, tremors, or mental fogginess. Lyme's can cause all of these symptoms. Ticks are considered the main vector, but some authorities feel that mosquitoes, fleas, and other biting insects may also carry the disease. People can find more information online or from a local support group.




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